Italy... there are many reasons to love that country: the majestic nature that constantly manifests itself at its best from the snowy mountains of the north down to the warm waters of the south like a replica of Middle-Earth from Hithaeglir to the havens of Gondor; the rich cultural heritage with ancient and medieval monuments everywhere; the sunny days of summer and mild winters; the food and coffee (Lavazza or Illy, anyone?) and, last but not least, the music. And the reason I write it here anyway is because one such great export article Italy has given the world are Lacuna Coil. October the 10th 2012, Tallinn's Rock Café was honoured by the presence of this milestone of Italian melodic metal.

As the band are currently on their Dark Legacy tour, this concert was not quite what one would call an ordinary one for the entire evening had been dedicated to Lacuna Coil. There were no opening acts and, frankly enough, they would not have been necessary. This evening the stage had room for Lacuna Coil only. The show that lasted two hours was meant to feature the very best of their entire career, to showcase the prowess of the evolution of their music from the very first song of the very first EP to the last track of their latest album. And the set list proved to be an impressive one indeed.

The show was divided in three acts: the dark and powerful first act, the mild and melodic acoustic set and a return to the heavy sound for the third part. The ominous "I Don't Believe In Tomorrow" from their latest album Dark Adrenaline was a fine opening song that went well together with the imagery of their current Dark Legacy tour. It often happens that whenever a band embarks on a tour after releasing an album, the new songs represent the core of the entire tour. That was not the case with Lacuna Coil this time. As already mentioned before, the set list proved to be a collection of songs from all the different eras of the group. So many songs, too few hours. Returning to the first act, the opening song was followed by an upbeat "I Won't Tell You" from their previous release Shallow Life which, in turn, was followed by other gems from their albums Unleashed Memories and Comalies. Particular highlights being the beautiful Italian "Senzafine" and "Self Deception."

It was obvious that the band needed a timeout after the passionate live performance that had raised the temperatures to new heights by the end of the first act. The second act was a pleasant treat to the audience because that offered a possibility to hear several hits of theirs in a mild and atmospheric acoustic setting. Songs such as "Falling Again" and "Within Me" seemed as if created for such a performance.

After the unplugged bliss it was time for what Lacuna Coil do best and what they do best is dark and powerful. The third act made the crowd go wild again. Speaking of the performance of the musicians, there can be no doubt that Cristina Scabbia is one of the most energetic and charming female vocalists these days. The way she moves on stage, the way she encourages the audience to experience the gig to the fullest and the way she is so open and friendly during the entire concert is truly amazing. And of course there's always Andrea around to provide the support and the robust edginess to create a heavier atmosphere or to occasionally perform a milder duet with Cristina. "Within Me" was one such highlight that showcased one of the best duets Lacuna Coil have ever done.

There were also some line-up changes. Namely, as the drummer Cristiano was on paternity leave, he had been replaced by Ryan Folden for that part of the tour. The bass player Marco, on the other hand, had taken a break due to a hand injury. Nevertheless, the band were all happy and full of energy on stage and surely did offer the audience an experience to remember.

I wouldn't particularly like to complain but one thing about that concert could have been better. The bass was occasionally so amplified that the loud sound started to cloud the guitars and the vocalists. A less loud sound wouldn't have muffled Cristina's crystal clear singing so much as it did sometimes. That's why the acoustic set was the best part of the show because the guitar melodies and the singing of Cristina and Andrea could be heard at its best.

It's not easy to say which songs among those performed were the best because almost all of them were highlights from every album. One of my personal favourites was "No Need To Explain," a song from their early days when The Gathering with Anneke Van Giersbergen and Lacuna Coil with Cristina were like two beautiful sisters beginning a journey from the same school of atmospheric metal. Other than the highlights mentioned in previous paragraphs we can't forget amazing songs such as "Closer (acoustic)," "I Survive," "Trip the Darkness," the unforgettable "Swamped," "Heaven's a Lie," "To the Edge," "Fragile," "To Live Is To Hide..." once again, too many good songs that even two hours weren't enough... The evening's last song was a somewhat sad farewell song "My Spirit" that provoked thoughts about those close to you who've left this world but who will always be around when you're having a good time such as attending a concert such as this one. To put it like Cristina did: doesn't matter if they're looking from up there or down there, at these moments, they are with us.

Quote:The show that lasted two hours was meant to feature the very best of their entire career, to showcase the prowess of the evolution of their music from the very first song of the very first EP to the last track of their latest album.

NICE !!! It makes it so much more enjoyable going to a gig to see the ONE band that you like without sitting thru a couple 'nah' openers.

Quote:The show that lasted two hours was meant to feature the very best of their entire career, to showcase the prowess of the evolution of their music from the very first song of the very first EP to the last track of their latest album.

NICE !!! It makes it so much more enjoyable going to a gig to see the ONE band that you like without sitting thru a couple 'nah' openers.

This seems like THE show to see if you like anything about this band. I love when one band comes out and is really thorough with their discography. I've never been huge into LC but would have loved to have seen this show anyway!

Nothing from In A Reverie? The one album I owned. Still sounds like an awesome set!

Nothing from the first 2 albums? I woulda thought something from Lost In Reverie would get a look in. (or In A Reverie. I can never remember which is which)

"No Need To Explain" from the first EP, "Falling" from the same EP and the first album and "To Live Is To Hide" and "Senzafine" (also on the "Halflife" EP) from "Unleashed Memories"... D'you miss something?

Nothing from In A Reverie? The one album I owned. Still sounds like an awesome set!

In fact "Falling (Again)" was featured on both their debut EP and their first full-length album.

Is "Falling" the same song as "Falling Again"? The latter was on In A Reverie but the former was just there as a bonus track. I didn't have the version with the bonus tracks so I don't know if maybe it's the same song with a different title for some reason?

Is "Falling" the same song as "Falling Again"? The latter was on In A Reverie but the former was just there as a bonus track. I didn't have the version with the bonus tracks so I don't know if maybe it's the same song with a different title for some reason?

It's the same song. It first appeared on the EP and was re-recorded for the "In A Reverie" album as "Falling Again"...